How can customer complaints and returns affect a business's costs?

When addressing how customer complaints and returns can impact a business's costs, it's essential to recognize that these issues typically lead to various financial repercussions. Complaints and returns often signal problems with product quality or customer service, which can necessitate increased spending to rectify these issues, such as implementing better quality control measures or staff training.

The correct answer reflects the reality of how handling complaints and returns usually does not result in lower operational costs; in fact, they oftentimes heighten overall expenses. Businesses may need to invest more in addressing the reasons behind these complaints—this could be through refunds, replacements, or even increased marketing to restore customer confidence. Customer service expenses might also rise as more resources are dedicated to managing complaints.

While other options discuss potential benefits or effects that are not directly linked to increased costs, they do not accurately represent the direct financial impact of complaints and returns on a business's expenditures.